Morrison to expand cancer screening coverage
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SPRINGFIELD – Cancer is a serious disease that touches most lives in one way or another. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure that would require insurance to cover preventative cancer screenings and genetic testing for individuals with a family history of cancer.
“Taking preventative measures increases the chances of survival and is more cost effective than treatment,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Early diagnosis is the best way to tackle the deadly effects of cancer.”
Currently cancer screenings for certain types of cancer are covered as long as the patient meets the age requirement. Senate Bill 2697 would expand that coverage to include prevention and susceptibility cancer screenings for all types of cancer for people who have a family member affected by the deadly disease. Additionally, insurance companies would be required to cover genetic testing for an inherited gene mutation for individuals with a family history of cancer.
“Early screenings and genetic testing will save lives,” said Morrison. “Prioritizing prevention is vital in the fight against cancer.”
Senate Bill 2697 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Morrison to remove barriers to treatment of substance use disorders
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SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Julie Morrison is leading a measure to curb substance use disorders.
“People suffering from a substance use disorder deserve access to the lifesaving treatment they need,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I am committed to removing the barriers that insurance companies put in place.”
Recent studies have shown that most people who could benefit from medications for substance use disorders don’t receive treatment. In 2022, there were 3,261 opioid overdose fatalities in the state – more than twice the number of fatal vehicle accidents and homicides. Senate Bill 3741 would improve these statistics by increasing coverage of and access to treatment by prohibiting insurance from requiring prior authorization for the treatment of substance use disorders.
“When substance use disorders are treated on a large scale, crime rates go down and quality of life goes up,” said Morrison. “Increasing access to this treatment is imperative in our fight against the drug epidemic.”
Senate Bill 3741 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Morrison advances measure to expand insurance coverage for diabetes supplies
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SPRINGFIELD – The cost of managing diabetes can be a significant burden for many families. To help ease the financial strain experienced by those managing this condition, State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to expand insurance coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies.
“Having to make the choice between insulin and other necessities is unacceptable,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “It is my goal to ensure that insurance companies adequately cover the families who rely on them.”
Senate Bill 3414 requires insurance companies to cover glucose monitors, related supplies, and training in the use of glucose monitors for individuals diagnosed with any form of diabetes. The measure includes that an individual won’t need to have prior authorization for coverage for a glucose monitor and prohibits insurance from imposing cost-sharing requirements.
Current law requires coverage for diabetic individuals with type 1 and type 2. Morrison’s initiative expands this to any form of diabetes, securing coverage for medically necessary glucose monitors and related supplies for 1.3 million people in the state who have this chronic health condition.
“Increasing coverage of medically necessary services can greatly improve an individual’s quality of life,” said Morrison. “As chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I am devoted to protecting people’s health and livelihood.”
Senate Bill 3414 passed the Senate Insurance Committee on Wednesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Morrison to improve early diagnosis of fatal pediatric disease
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SPRINGFIELD – Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – also known as DMD – is a rare disorder, but severe if not caught early enough to be treated. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a bill that would require all newborns to be screened for DMD.
“Although rare, DMD is a devastating disease – often taking children from their parents around the age of 5,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “Early diagnoses of DMD will save precious lives and restore hope.”
By the time the symptoms of DMD are detected, it is typically too late to treat. Additionally, it takes 2.5 years on average to diagnose after caregivers first notice symptoms – giving children little to no time to receive help. Senate Bill 2658 would require each newborn to be screened for the disease, giving those diagnosed the ability to receive affective treatment.
“Every child deserves a fighting chance and we – as policymakers – have the opportunity to increase survival of this universally fatal disease,” said Morrison. “A simple screening can be the difference between life and death.”
Senate Bill 2658 passed the Senate Public Health Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
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